Royal Cornwall Show draws thousands on opening day

About 120,000 people are expected to attend the show over three days

The 2023 Royal Cornwall Show has opened in brilliant sunshine, with thousands turning out to celebrate rural life.

The ticketed event, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, is on at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre near Wadebridge.

The show involves a range of agricultural activities, contests, live acts and a variety of trade stalls.

Organisers said the show aims to "promote the innovation and future stability of agriculture in Cornwall".

The Rural Cornwall Agricultural Association said about 120,000 people were expected to attend over the three days.

Spectators enjoying the quad bike stunts in the main ring

Chris Riddle, the show secretary, said organisers had fielded record numbers of sheep entries this year, as well as high numbers of pigs and cattle.

Speaking of the warm weather, he added: "The weather during the build-up has just been incredible, it's been such a good time, people are in such good spirits.

"It's great that people really appreciate coming to the show."

'Special day out'

Linda Pook said the show "brings part of Cornwall alive"

Linda Pook, from Liskeard, was visiting the show with her grandchildren.

She said she had come for the "whole atmosphere", adding: "It just brings part of Cornwall alive, everyone together, it's great, especially on a sunny day."

Louis and June Staddon, who are arable farmers from south Devon, said they came for a "good look around".

Mrs Staddon, also a farmer's daughter, says: "It is a special day out once a year."

Louis and June Staddon said the show was a "special day out"

Barbara, 71, from St Columb, said she had been coming to the show every year since she was four.

"The horses is the main attraction every time I visit," she said.

Zeke Osborne, 21, from Tintagel, said the event was bigger than he thought it would be.

"I've never been before, never," he said.

"There's all sorts going on."

Zeke Osborne and Lucy Millward soaking up the sunshine at the show

'Lack of confidence'

The show is also a chance for farmers to talk about the issues affecting the industry, including the post-Brexit scheme that replaced subsidies.

EU subsidies used to pay farmers for the amount of land they farmed but they are now rewarded for environmental work.

Beef farmer Jim Buckland, from Cornwall, said the new scheme was too complicated.

Beef farmer Jim Buckland criticised the government's green subsidy scheme

"You need to be a brain surgeon to work it out," he said.

"There's so much paperwork and admin around it and it seems to be ridiculous."

National Farmers Union south director Mel Squires also said of the scheme: "Right now there's a bit of a lack of confidence, misunderstanding perhaps, and it's everyone's job to try and help farmers through that as best we all can."

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey met with farmers at the Royal Cornwall Show

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey, who was at the show, said she recognised farmers needed support and "opening up of the finances".

"I recognise this transition may be challenging for people," she told the BBC.

"That's why I've worked hard to open up many more options that will be coming through this year for farmers as we make that transition."

The show continues on Friday and Saturday.

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